Jonahhobbes

Just wondering as I'm getting close to getting a new helmet, what are the skateboard-type helmets like compared to the vented bicycle ones? Weight wise are they heavier? Do you get more sweaty? How would you mount a mirror and a headlight? Does not having a visor cause problems when raining?

On one hand they are more rounded and would cut out the "vent paranoia" of a vent getting caught on something. On the other hand I wear my helmet not just for safety but to hang my lights and mirror off and I could see problems with not being able to tie things on the skate helmet.

BTW I'm not interested in the wear helmets/don't wear helmets debate that the other thread turned into.

deez

i used to rock a skate/water helmet all the time, then i got a nice comfy bike helmet and I find that it has better airflow to keep my dome cool.

lookingforcool

I only have one helmet and it's a venty helmet. Kinda in the middle of the ventiness. Not just a spiderweb, I spose.

But every commute I think.... "Damn, this thing needs about twice as many vents". My head sweats like crazy. I can't imagine wearing my old skate helmet on my bike each day. Pretty sure I'd die.

PunkMartyr

Hi Jonahhobbes I am the OP on the cool helmet thread. I ended up getting a $50 specialized helmet that I am very happy with. I live in Florida and need the ventilation that others are talking about but I haven't personally tried a skate helmet. I do like the look of the skate helmet for any hybrid or mountain bike.

As far as a light or mirrors, my specialized has rear and top vent holes that are actually big enough to run my cable lock through at the back (hence how I lock it up with the bike if I so choose). I am thinking that if you got creative with zip ties and those vents you could rig something not half bad looking. I don't know how a helmet with mirrors normally looks though I am wondering if anyone has a picture.

modernjess

Skate type helmets are built differently and it's not just for the looks. They need to withstand lots of crashing, mutliple impacts over the life of the helmet. So they have less vents and a lot more thick plastic. I see people commuting with them all the time, they're hotter for sure, but I think it depends on your climate and your comfort.

Bike helmets on the other hand are built for longer distance comfort (ventilation and light weight) and really they are only supposed to withstand one big crash. I prefer the light weight and the ventilation.